Seed planter apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/061,084filed Apr. 15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,193.

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 08/581,444, filed Dec. 29, 1995 and U.S.application Ser. Nos. 08/702,294, 08/700,214, 08/700,225, 08/700,217,and 08/700,222, filed Aug. 20, 1996, the entire disclosures of theforegoing applications are incorporated herein by reference. Thefollowing U.S. Applications entitled: “Seed Tube For Seed MeteringApparatus”; “Seed Planter Self-Tensional Transmission”; “AutomaticCoaxial Engagement Drive Coupler;” “Seed Metering System With ImprovedWear Enhancement”; and “Hopper System”, all of which were filed on Apr.15, 1998, and the entire disclosure of each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to seed planters including seedmetering mechanisms for dispensing individual seeds at a controlled rateinto a seed furrow as the seed meter is advanced above and along thefurrow and, more particularly, to a vacuum seed metering mechanism inwhich a rotating disc element coupled to a vacuum source picks upindividual seeds from a seed mass and subsequently discharges the seedstherefrom in a controlled fashion as the seed disc continuously rotates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Seed planters generally include meters of various designs have been usedfor sometime to dispense seeds at a controlled rate into a seed furrowas the seed meter is advanced above and along the seed furrow. In atypical arrangement, a tractor is coupled to tow a tool bar to which areattached in a generally parallel, spaced apart relation a plurality ofplanting units with seed meter arrangement attached thereto. Eachplanting unit typically includes a seed hopper for containing andcarrying a large quantity of seeds to be planted or a smaller containerfed from a centralized in or large hopper, a device for opening a furrowin the ground as the tractor drawn tool bar is advanced across the fieldover the ground, a seed meter is coupled to the seed hopper fordispensing individual seeds into the furrow at a controlled rate, and afurther device for moving soil at the sides of the furrow to close thefurrow over the seeds.

During a planting operation, the tractor typically moves across thefield at speeds of about 4 to about 8 miles per hour. The spacingbetween adjacent individual seeds in each furrow can be as little as 0.5inches or less or as much as 10 inches or more depending upon theparticular seed being planted. The seed metering mechanism therefor mustbe capable of dispensing seeds at various rates in the order of to 130seeds per second or greater as well as at rates which are considerablyless. The many different types of seeds to be planted using a seedmetering mechanism include corn, cotton, sorghum, sugar beets, soybeansand sunflowers to name a few. As will be appreciated, such seeds varyconsiderably in size, weight and shape. For example, peanut and ediblebean seeds are among the largest seeds for planting and have elongatedirregular shapes and outer surfaces. Soybean, and pelletized seeds aresmaller and tend to be rounder and vary in shape and size. Sorghum andraw sugar beet seeds have a rounder almost spherical appearance. Sorghumseeds have a relatively smooth outer surface. On the other hand, rawsugar beet seeds have a very rough and irregular outer surfaceconfiguration. Cotton seed is small and shaped like some corn seed. Onthe other hand, corn seeds have a somewhat triangular shape withgenerally flat sides.

Despite these numerous differences in the size, shape and surfaces ofsuch seeds, seed meters are expected and are required to handle alldifferent types of seeds described above plus many more while requiringminimum effort regarding part changes and adjustments. At the same time,required spacing and depth standards of planting accuracy typicallymandate a low error rate. A missed seed or doubling of seeds isundesirable and may be tolerated only very infrequently. Suchrequirements place considerable demands upon the accuracy of the seedmetering mechanisms.

Some seed metering mechanisms used in planting operations of the typediscussed above are of the mechanical type and include a vertical orhorizontal seed plate or disc with mechanically actuated fingers orsimilarly operated mechanical devices for separating individual seedsfrom the seed disc and then dispense them into the furrow. While somemechanical seed meters are satisfactory for certain applications, theytypically suffer from a number of limitations including the limitedspeed at which they can accurately dispense seeds, and inability tohandle different type seeds without making cumbersome and extensive partchanges, and an inherent design complexity which may typically add tothe cost, wear and maintenance problems of the mechanically operatedseed dispensing mechanisms.

Alternatively, a seed metering mechanism which utilizes an air pressuredifferential has been developed in an effort to overcome some of theproblems of the mechanical seed meters. Air pressure differential seedmeters, which are commonly known as air seed meters, are generally oftwo types. The first type being the positive pressure type and thesecond type relying upon negative pressure or vacuum.

In the positive pressure type of air seed metering mechanism, air isblown into the seed chamber and onto the surface of a rotating orotherwise movable and apertured member or disc in order to create thehigher than atmospheric pressure in the chamber. This forces seeds froma seed mass onto the seed member or disc where they are retained forlater release. The apertures or holes in the rotating member or discopen to atmosphere where the individual seeds are held by the blowingair until the seeds are dispensed by interrupting the flow of air to theseeds.

While air seed meters of the positive pressure type offer certainadvantages over mechanical seed meters, they have certain limitations oftheir own which may prove to be a significant disadvantage for variousseeding applications. In an effort to fill each hole or opening with aseed as the seed disc rotates through the seed mass, a relatively highpressure differential is applied to the disc. Because the seeds are heldin place on the rotating disc or other movable member by differentialpressure resulting from positive pressure in the chamber, it is usuallynecessary that the air flow be directed through the seed mass to aid inthe depositing of individual seeds onto the disc. The air flow has beenfound to interfere with the orderly delivery of seeds from the disc and,ultimately, to the ground. In positive pressure seed meteringmechanisms, the seed hopper must be sealed to maintain pressure in thesystem. If for any reason the hopper lid comes off or the hopperotherwise becomes unsealed, the seed meter will not properly function.

Vacuum seed meters have been found to overcome some of the problems inthe positive pressure seed meters and offer more control over the seedbeing transported by the seed disc. In vacuum seed meters, a vacuumsource is typically coupled to a separate chamber on the opposite of theseed disc from the seed mass with the vacuum communicating through theapertures in the seed disc to the seed mass. The vacuum is of sufficientmagnitude such that it tends to draw seeds into the openings defined bythe disc and hold the seeds thereto as the seeds are moved through theseed disc under the influence of the moving seed disc toward the seeddischarge area of the seed metering mechanism. The openings between theouter surface of the seeds and the periphery of the openings in the discallows air to pass therethrough thereby maintaining the seeds inoperable association with the disc. Because the pressure differential atthe seed disc comes from a vacuum source on the opposite side thereofand not from the flow of air at the same side thereof as with positivepressure type seed metering mechanisms, the problem of having to directan air flow through the seed mass and on to the seed disc areeliminated.

Despite the various advantages of vacuum seed meters over seed meters ofthe positive pressure type, presently known vacuum seed meters are notwithout problems of their own. For one thing, testing has revealed thatwhen vacuum seed metering mechanisms are used some seeds tend to bedrawn rotationally under the influence of the moving seed disc and thevacuum in the discharge area of the seed metering mechanism rather thangravitationally falling for deposit to the ground. Testing has alsorevealed that the air drawn through the openings between the outersurface of the seeds and the periphery of the openings in the seed discin the seed discharge area of the seed metering mechanism tends to flowupwardly into the seed metering mechanism in a direction opposed to thedirection the seeds are intended to flow under the influence of gravity.Moreover, some vacuum seed metering mechanisms include a seed dischaving a pocket or recess arranged in radially extending relationrelative to the opening for accommodating a seed therewith in. When therespective openings reach the seed discharge area whereat the vacuum tothe seed disc is cutoff, the seeds carried in the pockets tend to movewith the disc. The seeds entrapped within the pockets and movingrotationally with the disc, however, tend to interfere with other seedsbeing released from the disc in the seed discharge area therebyeffecting accurate seed spacing between adjacent individual seeds.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a seed planter whichincludes vacuum seed metering mechanism wherein the release of seedsfrom the disc is effected positively without seeds sticking or hangingonto the seed disc or releasing erratically therefrom as a result of thevacuum used in combination with the seed mechanism. Moreover, providinga seed disc with a low friction seed release advantageously eliminatesor significantly reduces the tendency or likelihood of the seeds to be,carried with or rotationally move with the seed disc allows the seedsdischarged from the seed metering disc to be readily and reliablyreleased from the seed disc without the need for complicated releasemechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a seed planter apparatus comprisinga seed meter including a housing assembly including a cover releasablyconnected to a shell and including at least one opening formed in thehousing assembly adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the releaseof seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. Thedisc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuumchamber and a seed chamber. The disc includes a plurality of openingsformed adjacent a periphery of the disc.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a seedplanter apparatus. A housing assembly including a cover releasablyconnected to a shell is provided. The housing assembly includes at leastone opening formed in the housing assembly adjacent a seed dischargearea. A disc is rotatably attached to the housing assembly and dividesan interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and aseed chamber. The disc includes a plurality of openings formed adjacenta periphery of the disc. The disc is rotated. The seeds are held at thedisc openings while the disc openings are in communication with thevacuum chamber. The seeds are released from the openings as the discopenings exit from the communication with the vacuum chamber. Air isflowed through the opening formed in the housing assembly to promote therelease of seeds from the disc.

A further aspect of the invention provides a seed planter apparatuscomprising a seed meter including a vacuum chamber, a seed chamber, anda seed disc. The seed disc includes a plurality of spaced apart clustersformed therein. Each of the clusters includes a plurality ofcommunicating openings to allow seeds held by differential pressurewithin the openings of each cluster to release the seeds together as thecluster exists from communication with the vacuum chamber.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a method of operating aseed planter apparatus. A seed meter including a vacuum chamber, a seedchamber, and a seed disc, is provided. The seed disc includes aplurality of spaced apart clusters formed therein with each of theclusters including a plurality of communicating openings. The seed discis rotated in communication with a vacuum chamber. The seeds are heldwithin the cluster openings. The cluster is rotated out of communicationwith the vacuum chamber. The seeds are released from the openings ofeach cluster substantially simultaneously.

A further aspect of the invention provides a seed planter apparatuscomprising a seed meter including a housing assembly, including a chuteportion and a seed chamber. The chute portion including a first openingfor receiving seed from a hopper which communicates with the firstopening. The chute includes a second opening formed therein. A barextends from a portion of the chute and positioned above the secondopening. A door is shaped to cover the second opening and includes aclip portion for snap-fitting onto the bar to allow the door to rotateon the bar.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a method of operating aseed planter apparatus. A seed meter including a housing assembly with achute portion and a seed chamber is provided. The chute portion includesa first opening in communication with a hopper and a second openingformed therein. A bar extending from a portion of the chute andpositioned above the second opening with a door shaped to cover thesecond opening with a clip portion snap-fitted to the bar is alsoprovided. The door is rotated about the bar. The seed is passed from thehopper through the first opening. And, the seed is passed through thesecond opening.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a seed metering apparatusfor a seed planter comprising a housing including a seed chamber openingfor communicating with a hopper, and a baffle rotatably attached to thehousing. The baffle including a body portion and a handle portion. Thehandle portion extending through an opening formed in the housing. Andthe housing including a plurality of notches formed on an outer surfaceof the housing to allow the handle to be positioned within the notchesto rotate the body portion and vary the size of the seed chamberopening.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a method of operating aseed metering apparatus for a seed planter. A housing including a seedchamber opening for communicating with a hopper, a baffle rotatablyattached to the housing with a body portion and a handle portion isprovided. The handle extends through an opening formed in the housing.The housing includes a plurality of notches formed on an outer surfaceof the housing. The handle is moved between the notches. The handleportion is retained in the notch. The body portion is rotated to varythe size of the seed chamber opening.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a seed metering apparatusfor a seed planter comprising a housing assembly including a singulatorassembly attached thereto and including at least one spool rotatablyattached to a body portion of the singulator assembly. The spoolincludes a circular cross-section and the spool is in contact with aseed disc. The seed disc includes a plurality of openings formedadjacent a periphery of the disc. The spool partially covers theopenings.

A further aspect of the invention provides for a method of operating aseed metering apparatus for a seed planter. A housing assembly includinga singulator assembly attached thereto is provided. The singulatorassembly includes a plurality of spools rotatably attached to a bodyportion of the singulator assembly. A seed disc including a plurality ofopenings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc is also provided. Aseed disc contacts with the spools. The openings of the seed disc arepartially covered with the spools. The spools are contacted by the seedsand the spools are rotated.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention willbecome further apparent from the following detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merelyillustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of theinvention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic right side elevational view of a planting unitwith a seed metering mechanism in accordance with the present inventionmounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view looking forwardly of a seed hopperwith a seed metering mechanism according to the present inventionmounted thereon;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged right side elevational view of the seed meteringmechanism with a fragmentary portion of a seed tube shown connectedthereto;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the seed metering mechanism of thepresent invention disassembled from the seed hopper;

FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the seed metering mechanismaccor the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6—6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the portion encircled by line7—7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the portion encircled by line8—8 in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 and 9A are exploded perspective views of the seed meteringmechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a housing component forming partof the seed metering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged right side view of the housing componentillustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12—12 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13—13 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the housing component illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged left side view of a portion of the housingillustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged left side view of the portion of the housingencircled in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a right side view of a baffle used in combination with thehousing present invention;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the baffle illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a driven hub forming part of the seedmetering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a drive hub forming part of a driveassembly of the seed metering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a right side view of the drive hub illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear elevational view of the drive hub illustrated in FIGS.20 and 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an agitator assembly used incombination with the seed metering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a right side view of the agitator assembly shown in FIG. 22;FIG. 24a is a sectional view taken along line 24 a—24 a of FIG. 24;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged elevational view of a central portion of theagitator assembly showing a series of springs forming an integral partof the agitator assembly;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along line 26—26 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a right side view of one form of a seed metering plate to beused in combination with the seed metering mechanism of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 is an end view of the seed metering plate shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a right side view of a singulator apparatus arranged incombination with the seed metering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the singulator apparatusshown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a right side view of a base forming part of the seedsingulator;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken along line 32—32 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33—33 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of one form of singulator mount formingpart singulator assembly;

FIG. 35 is a right side view of the singulator mount shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a top elevational view, partly in section, of the singulatormount illustrated in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another singulator mount forming partof the singulator apparatus shown in FIGS. 29 and 30;

FIG. 38 is a right side view of the singulator mount shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the singulator mount shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an actuator for the singulatorapparatus;

FIG. 41 is a right side view of the actuator shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is an end view of the actuator shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a side view of a cover forming part of the singulatorapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along line 44—44 of the coverillustrated in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an elevational view of a spool stud forming part of thesingulator apparatus shown in FIGS. 29 and 30;

FIG. 46 is an end view of the spool stud shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is an elevational view of one form of singulator spool that canbe used in combination with the singulator apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the singulator spool illustrated in FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a partial sectional view taken along line 49—49 of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a partial sectional view taken along line 50—50 of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa seed metering mechanism, seed hopper, and removable lid;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 51 assembled;

FIG. 53 is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a housing;

FIG. 55a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a seedmetering mechanism attached to a seed hopper;

FIG. 55b is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 55a;

FIG. 55c is a cross-sectional view taken along line A—A of FIG. 55b;

FIG. 55d is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 55b;

FIG. 56a is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cover;

FIG. 56b is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 56a;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a seedbaffle;

FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa seed metering mechanism;

FIG. 59 is a reversed exploded perspective view of the embodiment shownin FIG. 58;

FIG. 60a is a seed side view of an alternative embodiment of a seeddisc;

FIG. 60b is a vacuum side view of the embodiment of FIG. 60a;

FIG. 60c is a seed side view of an alternative embodiment of a seeddisc;

FIG. 60d is a vacuum side view of the embodiment of FIG. 60c;

FIG. 61a is a seed side view of an alternative embodiment of a seeddisc;

FIG. 61b is a vacuum side view of the embodiment of FIG. 61a;

FIG. 62a is an enlarged view of a cluster of openings of the embodimentshown in FIG. 61a;

FIG. 62b is an enlarged view of a cluster of openings of the embodimentshown in FIG. 61b;

FIG. 63a is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a housing;

FIG. 63b is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 63a;

FIG. 64 is an exploded perspective view of a seed metering apparatuswhich includes an alternative embodiment of the singulator assembly ofthe present invention;

FIG. 65 is a front perspective view of the singulator assemblyillustrated in FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of the singulator assemblyillustrated in FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of abase of the singulator assembly;

FIG. 68 is a back perspective view of the base illustrated in FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the housing;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bracketof the singulator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a secondbracket of the singulator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the coverof the singulator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mountingstud of the singulator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of singulatorspool of the singulator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 75 is a side view of the singulator spool illustrated in FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 is a plan view of the singulator spool illustrated in FIG. 74;

FIG. 77 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an agitator madein accordance with the invention;

FIG. 78 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 78;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a driverotor made in accordance with the invention showing the seed discengaging side;

FIG. 80 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a plan view of the seed disc engaging side of the drive rotorof FIG. 79; and

FIG. 82 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 81.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as setting forth anexemplification of the present invention which is not intended to limitthe invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicatelike parts throughout the several views, a seed planting apparatus orimplement is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and is represented inits entirety by reference numeral 10. Seed planting apparatus orimplement 10 includes an elongated tool bar 12 which is supported formovement across and over fields by a plurality of wheels (not shown) andwhich is adapted to be towed in a given forward direction by a powersource such as an off-highway tractor or the like. Attached to the toolbar 12 are a plurality of planting units 14; with only one beingillustrated and described in detail and from which a completeunderstanding of the present invention may be readily determined. As iswell known in the art, the planting units 14 are mounted in side-by-siderelation relative to each other along the length of the tool bar 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, each planting unit 14 preferably includesa conventional furrow opening apparatus generally indicated in FIG. 1 byreference numeral 18. As is known in the art, the furrow opening unit 18preferably includes a pair of lateral spaced furrow opener discs 21, afurrow forming point, and an opener shoe 24. Alternatively, and withoutdetracting or departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention, the planting unit 14 can be provided with a runner openertype for providing a furrow in the ground. The planting unit 14 furtherincludes a pair of furrow closer discs 26 and a press wheel 28 arrangedin fore-and-at relationship relative to each other.

A seed hopper 30 is likewise carried on each planting unit 14. Thepurpose of the seed hopper 30 is to provide storage for seed materialthat is to be gravitationally deposited to the ground as the plantingunit moves over and across the field. It will be appreciated that ahopper container, smaller than that exemplified in the drawings, andconnected to a centralized bin or large hopper would equally sufficewithout detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, a seed metering mechanism orapparatus 32 is arranged in seed receiving relation relative to thehopper 30 and, in the illustrated embodiment, forms part of the plantingunit 14. The purpose of the seed metering apparatus or mechanism 32 isto uniformly release seeds received from the seed hopper 30 for depositonto the ground. To facilitate delivery of seeds from the seed meteringmechanism 32 to the ground, a vertically disposed seed tube 34 ismounted on the planting unit 14. The seed tube 34 is preferably of thetype disclosed in co-pending and co-assigned patent application Ser. No.08/581,444, filed Dec. 29, 1995, in the illustrated embodiment, the fulldisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Suffice it tosay, the seed tube 34 defines a vertical passage 36 through which seedsare delivered to the ground.

FIGS. 51-53 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a seed hopper 801and a seed metering mechanism 802. A removable lid 804 may include anopening 806 for receiving a flexible tether 808. The flexible tether 808may be secured to both the lid 804 and the seed hopper 801 so that whenthe lid 804 is removed, the lid 804 remains tethered to the seed hopper801. This assures that the lid 804 remains in close proximity to the seehopper 801 and prevents the lid 804 from being blown away when operatingin windy conditions. As shown in FIG. 51, the lid 804 may include atleast one hook 810 integrally formed on an inside surface 812 of the lid804. In the embodiment shown, three hooks 810 are provided which areoriented in three different directions. When the lid 804 is removed fromthe seed hopper 801 during operation, the lid 804 may be convenientlyhung on the seed hopper 801 by positioning the lid 804 so that at leastone of the hooks 810 engage an edge 814 of a sidewall of the seed hopper801. Since the hooks 810 are oriented in different directions, the lid804 can be mounted to the seed hopper 801 either vertically orhorizontally in various positions along the edge 814 of the sidewalls ofthe seed hopper 801. Moreover, the position of the three hooks 810provides an ergonomically convenient configuration for both left andright handed operators.

As the power source or tractor pulls the tool bar 12 across and over theground, the furrow opening apparatus 18 operates to open a furrow in theground. Seeds from the hopper 30 flow into the seed metering mechanism32 from whence seeds are introduced at a controlled rate into the seedtube 34 to uniformly move through the vertical passage 36 defined bytube 34 and are, ultimately, deposited onto the ground. The furrowcloser 26 trails the furrow opening apparatus 18 and, as the seedplanter apparatus 10 is drawn across the field, serves to close thefurrow together and over the seed dispensed by the seed meteringmechanism 32 into the furrow. The trailing press wheel 28 serves tocompact the soil closed over the seeds.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pesticide hopper 38 is mounted toward arear end of each planting unit 14. Hopper 38 preferably includes aninsecticide and is provided with conventional dispensing means forapplying controlled amounts of insecticide where desired in connectionwith the planting of seeds by each planting unit 14.

According to the present invention, the vacuum seed metering mechanismor apparatus 32 is mounted to and movable with the hopper 30 relative toframe structure 33 (FIG. 1) of the seed planting unit 14 and relative tothe seed tube 34. Moreover, the hopper 30 is mounted on and removablefrom the planting unit 14 in a conventional manner. As shown in FIG. 2,the seed metering mechanism 32 includes a split housing assembly 40arranged toward the bottom of and in seed receiving relation relative tothe seed hopper 30. The seed metering apparatus 32 mounted to eachplanting unit 14 (FIG. 1) is individually connected via a suitableflexible conduit 42 to a common vacuum source (not shown) suitablymounted for movement over and across the field.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the housing assembly 40 of the seedmetering mechanism 32 has a generally cylindrical-like configurationmeasuring about 300 mm. in diameter. The housing assembly 40 iscomprised of a housing or shell 44 that is rigidly secured to the seedhopper 30 and a cover or shell 46 releasably connected to shell 44. Inthe preferred form of the invention, the cover 46 is completelyremovable from the housing 44 when access to the interior of the seedmetering mechanism 32 is desired or required. Preferably, a series ofmanually releasable fasteners 48 are equidistantly arranged about theperiphery of the housing assembly 40 for releasably fastening thehousing 44 and cover 46 in operable and substantially air tight relationrelative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, three fasteners48 are provided for releasably securing the cover 46 to the housing 44.

The cover 46 of the split housing assembly 40 is preferably formed as aunitary or one piece member that is formed with sealing surfaces andsuitable cutoffs as an integral part thereof. As such, the seed meteringmechanism of the present invention does not require additional parts tobe added thereto to effect sealing such as rubber seals and the like. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the cover 46 is formed of a rigid nylon orthermoplastic material containing conventional antistat and/or other lowfriction agents such that no graphite, talc, or slick additives need tobe used in combination with the seed metering mechanism of the presentinvention during operation thereof. Graphite powder, however, may beused. Moreover, and as shown in FIG. 6, cover 46 of the split housingassembly 40 has an arcuate shaped chamber 50 extending about 270 degreesand adjacent the periphery of the cover 46. As will be described indetail hereinafter, an exhaust or suction port 52 opens to the chamber50 intermediate opposite ends thereof. As is conventional, the flexibleconduit 42 is exteriorly connected to the exhaust port 52 such that avacuum or negative pressure may be created in the chamber 50 when thecover 46 is fastened to the housing 44.

Chamber 50 in housing 46 is partially defined by a first annular orcircular flat sealing face 54 formed integral with an inner surface 56of the cover 46. Also arranged on the inner surface 56 of cover 46, inradially spaced congruent relation from the sealing face 54, is a secondsealing face 58 that is likewise formed integral with the inner surface56 of cover 46. Notably, the sealing faces 54 and 58 are arranged ingenerally planar relation relative to each other and are formed integralwith the cover 46 thus eliminating the need or requirement foradditional separate rubber seals. Moreover, and as shown in FIG. 6,outwardly spaced from the sealing face 58, cover 46 defines a flatcircular lip area 60 extending radially outwardly to the periphery ofthe cover 46. Notably, both the first and second seating faces 54 and 58axially project from the inner surface 56 of the cover 44 beyond thecircular lip area 60. Cover 46 furthermore defines a leg portion 62 thatis generally coplanar with the flat lip area 60 and which extendstangentially away from one end of chamber 50.

FIGS. 56a-b illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cover 840 whichincludes at least one discharge opening 842 formed therein adjacent toand extending radially inward from the perimeter of the cover 840. Inthe embodiment shown, three discharge openings 842 having a generallyrectangular shape are provided. The discharge openings 842 allow wastematerial such as peanut husks, for example, which may be pulled throughthe seed disc openings and trapped between the seed disc and the cover,to be discharged from the seed metering mechanism during operation. Thenumber, size, shape, and positioning of discharge openings 842 may varydepending on the particular application. A slot 843 may preferably beformed in the cover 840 adjacent the exit area of the vacuum chamber.Air which flows through the slot 843 creates a cut-off curtain of air toenhance the cut-off response of the vacuum thereby improving the timingand release of the seed drop. The size and shape of the slot 843 mayvary depending upon the particular application. A perimeter coveropening 844 may be formed in the cover 840 to provide a passageway toview an edge of a seed disc and to discharge debris along the edge ofthe perimeter of the disc. The cover 840 may preferably have a vacuumgauge opening 841 formed therein which penetrates into the vacuumchamber to allow an operator to determine the pressure within the vacuumchamber. As shown in FIG. 56a, a mechanical ramp 845 is providedadjacent one of the discharge openings 842 to divert debris collected onthe vacuum side of the disc away from the seed metering mechanism. Asshown in FIG. 56b, a plurality of triangular-shaped depressions 846 areformed along the seed disc contact surface 847 of the cover 840. Thedepressions 846 divert abrasive debris away from the seed disc contactsurface 847. The size, shape, and orientation of the depressions 846 mayvary depending upon the particular application. The cover 840 may becomprised of a plastic resin including, for example, Estaloc™ grade61083 manufactured by BF Goodrich Company. Estaloc™ has been found tohave very low shrink characteristics to allow the cover 840 to be moldedwith a flat contact surface which is important for holding an acceptablevacuum contact surface. In forming the cover 840, use of Estaloc™ alsohas been found to provide a consistent surface variation pattern on thevacuum contact surface. Estaloc™ also has been found to have excellentwear characteristics in an abrasive environment. Additives may be addedto the Estaloc™ to make the cover 840 resistant to static chargebuild-up or to make it electrically conductive, to enhance seed spacingperformance and to dissipate static electricity to prevent shock.

As shown in FIG. 7, the inner and outer radially spaced sealing faces 54and 58, respectively, are joined, at one end, by a first radial web 64that separates a leading end of vacuum chamber 50 from a seed dischargearea of the seed metering mechanism 32 as will be discussed in detailbelow. In the illustrated form of the invention, the radial web 64 ispreferably formed integrally with the cover 46 and has a flat sealingface 66 that is generally coplanar with the sealing faces 54 and 58 ofcover 46.

As shown in FIG. 8, the opposite or trailing end of chamber 50 isdefined by a second radial web 68 defining a vacuum cut-off for thechamber 50. The radial web 68 is preferably formed integral with thecover 46 and likewise has a flat sealing face 70 formed planar with thesealing faces 54 and 58 of cover 46. Notably, cover 46 further definesan inclined ramp 72 radially extending through the chamber 50 and towardthe vacuum cutoff 58.

Turning now to FIG. 9, component assemblies of a preferred form of theseed metering mechanism 32 of the present invention are schematicallyillustrated in exploded perspective relative to each other. As shown,the seed metering mechanism 32 of the present invention preferablycomprises the housing 44, a manually operated baffle assembly 100 thatis operably adjusted from outside the housing assembly 40 of the seedmetering mechanism 32, a drive assembly 200, an agitator assembly 300for inhibiting seeds from compacting within the housing assembly 32, aseed disc or plate 400 that operably divides the interior of the housingassembly 32 into a seed chamber 74 (FIG. 4) between one side of the seedplate 400 and the interior of housing 44 and the vacuum chamber 50between the opposite side of the seed plate or disc 400 and the cover46, a singulator assembly 500 for inhibiting more than one seed frombeing advanced by the seed plate or disc 400 to the discharge area ofthe seed metering mechanism 32, a vibration mechanism 800 forfacilitating the release of seeds from the disc 400 in the dischargearea of the seed metering mechanism 32, and the cover 46 for closing theseed metering mechanism 32.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, housing 44 of the seed metering mechanism32 is preferably formed from a metal material and includes a generallyplanar back wall 76 having inner and outer surfaces 78 and 80,respectively. An annular hub 82 is formed at the center of the housing44 and axially projects inwardly from the inner surface 78. The annularhub 82 defines a central bore 83 defining a longitudinal axis 84 for theseed metering mechanism 32.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the drive assembly 200 axially extendsthrough and is rotatably mounted within the hub 82 of housing 44. Asshown in FIGS. 9 through 11, housing 44 defines a circumferential skirtor rim 85 that axially projects forwardly from the inner surface 78 insurrounding relation to a substantial portion of outer periphery ofhousing 44.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an annular portion of the edge of rim 85cooperates and combines with the flat lip area 60 on the inner surface56 of cover 46 to close the housing assembly 32. Notably, the areasurrounded by rim 85 and between the seed plate or disc 400 and theinner surface 78 of the housing 44 defines a seed reservoir or chamber86 wherein seeds are stored.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the annular rim or skirt 85 has arcuateareas 88 and 90 that are recessed from the remainder of the edge. Whenthe cover 46 is fastened to the housing 44, these recessed areas 88, 90define circumferentially extending openings 89 (FIG. 4) and 91 (FIG. 13)allowing atmospheric air to enter the housing assembly 32 and maintainthe seeds releasably attached to the disc 400 as a function of thedifferential air pressures between the suction chamber 50 and theopposite side of the housing 32.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 10 and 14, the outer surface 80 of housing 44defines a lug 92 which facilitates connection of the housing assembly 32to the hopper 30. As shown, housing 44 further defines a chute 94 thatallows and directs the gravitational flow of seed between the hopper 30(FIG. 5) and the seed reservoir or chamber 86 (FIG. 12). In this regard,the back wall 76 of housing 44 defines an opening 96 (FIGS. 10 and 11)that allows seeds to pass from the chute 94 into the seed reservoir areaor chamber 86 of the seed housing assembly 32.

The chute 94 may also include an opening to allow an operator to removeseeds from the hopper 30. For example, as shown in the alternativeembodiment of FIGS. 54-55, the housing 820 includes an opening 822formed in a chute 824 to allow seeds to be drained from the seed hopper801. As shown in FIGS. 55a-d, a door 826 is rotatably attached to thechute 824. In particular, a clip portion 829 of the door 826 snaps ontoa bar 828 which is formed in the chute 824. The snap-fit clip portion829 provides simple and convenient means to attach the door 826 to thechute 824. The direction of the snap-in clip portion 829 opposes thedirection of force that the seeds exert so that the clip portion 829cannot snap off the bar 828 while in use. As shown in FIG. 55a and FIG.55c, the door 826 may be locked into a closed position by pin 830. Inthe embodiment shown, the pin 830 slides through a collar 827 formed inthe door 826 to provide a positive door lock. The pin 830 may include aring portion 830 a which engages a ring retaining tab 825 formed on thehousing 820 to lock the pin 830 in place. The door 826 may be lockedinto the closed position by any suitable means including, for example,mechanical fasteners, latches, etc. As shown in FIG. 55d, when the door826 is unlocked and opened to drain seeds from the seed hopper 801, thedoor 826 automatically positions itself vertically so as to not disruptthe seed flow. The door 826 may be comprised of any suitable rigidmaterial including, for example, steel or plastic. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 55a, the door 826 includes a plurality of strengtheningribs 821 formed on an outer surface 821 a of the door 826 to provideincreased rigidity to ensure that the door 826 remains flat to cover theentire opening 822. The number and configuration of the ribs 821 mayvary depending on the amount of rigidity desired.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, housing 44 further defines a wall 97spaced radially inwardly from run 85 and axially projecting from theinner surface 76 of housing 44. The space or open area 95 between therim 85 and wall 97 defines a seed exhaust area 98 for the seed meteringmechanism 32. The exhaust area 98 opens at its lower end to the seedtube 34 (FIG. 1) and through which the seeds released from the seedplate 400 gravitationally move, ultimately, for deposit onto the ground.In this regard, the back wall 76 of housing 44 defines a series ofvertically spaced openings 99 that allow atmospheric air to pass intothe exhaust area 98 and facilitate the flow of seeds toward the seedtube 34 by eliminating or significantly reducing the air drawn upwardlyinto the seed discharge area 98 of the seed metering mechanism. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16,the openings 99 preferably have slotted or elongated configurations.Alternatively, the openings 99 may be any other shape or configurationto allow air to pass into the exhaust area 98. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 55, the openings 823 may preferably have acircular configuration.

Returning to FIG. 3, when the cover 46 is releasably attached to thehousing 44, a substantial portion of chamber 50 extends through the seedreservoir area 86 of housing 44. Moreover, the leading end of the vacuumchamber 50 is disposed proximate to but remains outside of the dischargechute 98 of the housing 44. At its other end, suction chamber 50terminates toward the upper end of the discharge area or chute 98 suchthat seeds released from the seed plate 400 pass downwardly into thedischarge chute 98 and pass gravitationally toward the seed tube 34.Moreover, with the cover 46 so arranged on the housing 44, leg portion62 of the housing overlies and closes the open side of the dischargechute 98 defined by housing 44 to prevent seeds released from the seeddisc from inadvertently escaping from the housing assembly 32.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, a wear strip 860 is secured to aninner surface 862 of a wall 864 of the housing 820 to prevent any wearthat may be caused by the rotation of an agitator 866. The wear strip860 may preferably be comprised of a rigid material including, forexample, plastic. The plastic may preferably be comprised of, forexample, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, an annulus brush 870 may preferablybe mounted within the housing 820 to prevent seeds from exiting the seedchamber through a gap formed between the housing 820 and a perimeteredge of a seek disc 872. The annulus brush 870 may be comprised of anyrigid material including, for example, plastic. A linear brush 874 mayalso preferably be mounted within the housing 820 to prevent seeds fromexiting the seed chamber. The linear brush 874 may include a brushportion 875 which cleans debris away from openings 876 formed in theseed disc 872 as the disc rotates in operation. As shown in FIGS. 58 and59, a screen 880 may be positioned between the housing 820 and the cover840 to prevent seeds which are circulated within the seed reservoirchamber by the agitator 866 from exiting the seed reservoir chamber.Moreover, the screen 880 preferably has a suitable amount of openings toallow air to pass into the interior of the seed metering mechanism,while at the same time preventing airborne debris from entering theinterior of the seed metering mechanism. The screen 880 may preferablybe comprised of a rigid material such as, for example, plastic. Alsoshown in FIG. 59, a removable screen or guard 861 may be positionedwithin the housing 820 to prevent seeds in the seed chamber which arecontacted by the agitator 866 from entering the seed discharge area ofthe housing 820.

The purpose of the seed baffle assembly 100 is to control the seed levelin the seed reservoir 86 from outside of the housing assembly 40. Withthe present invention, and as mentioned above, the cover 46 ispreferably removable from the housing 44. After the cover 46 is removedand the seed plate 400 is removed, the seeds in the reservoir 86 willtend to pour out to the ground. Moreover, if there is nothing to closethe opening 96 at the bottom of the chute 94, the seeds in the supplyhopper 30 will likewise tend to pour onto the ground. Accordingly, thepresent invention provides the seed baffle assembly 100 for selectivelyallowing the operator to choose the level of seed mass in the reservoir86 from outside of the housing 44. That is, and unlike other seedmetering mechanisms, the seed baffle assembly 100 is adjustable from theoutside and does not require the operator to gain access to the interiorof the seed metering mechanism 32 in order to close off the opening 96leading from the hopper 30.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 17 and 18, the seed baffle assembly 100 comprises aseed baffle 102 having a general planar configuration. The seed baffle102 defines a generally central throughbore 103 that allows the seedbaffle 102 to be mounted for rotation about the hub 82 of the housing 44of housing assembly 40. As shown in FIG. 12, the seed baffle 102 isconfigured to mount in abutting and generally sealing relationship withthe inner surface 78 of the housing 44. Notably, the profile of the seedbaffle 102 is such that the baffle 102, when properly positionedrelative to housing 44 of the housing assembly 40, can completely closethe opening 96 (FIG. 11) at the bottom of the chute 94 through whichseed is directed into the seed reservoir of housing 44.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the seed baffle assembly 100 furtherincludes a linkage assembly 106 that is exteriorly manipulated fromoutside of housing 44 to effect the disposition of the seed baffle 102and thereby control the operable size of the opening 96 in the housing44. Returning to FIG. 11, the rear wall 76 of the housing 44 defines anarcuate slot 108 that extends through the wall 76 and has a radiusconcentric with the longitudinal axis 84 of the hub 82. The exteriorsurface 80 of the rear wall 76 of housing 44 furthermore defines a pivot110 (FIG. 15).

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 14and 15, the linkage assembly 106 of the seed baffle assembly 100preferably comprises a manually operated elongated lever 112 thatextends parallel to the rear wall 76 of housing 44 and is pivotallyconnected intermediate its ends to a pivot 110 defined on the exterior80 of housing wall 76. A free end 113 of lever 112 extends beyond theperiphery of the housing 44. An elongated link section 114 of lever 112extends parallel to an exterior side 80 of wall 76 and away from thepivot 110 of lever 112. As will be appreciated, movement of lever 112will result in pivotal movement of the link section 114. A secondelongated link 116, arranged parallel to and extending adjacent theouter surface 80 of wall 76, is articulately joined, at one end, to thefree end of link section 114 of lever 112. At its opposite end, link 116is connected through the slot 108 to the seed baffle 102 (FIG. 17). Theconnection between and the travel of link 116 of linkage assembly 106 isguided by the arcuate shape of the slot 108. As will be appreciated,opposite ends of the slot 108 limit the travel of the linkage 106 andthereby the travel of the seed baffle 102 relative to the opening 96 inthe rear wall 76 of the housing 44.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 14 and 15, the exterior surface 80 of wall 76 onhousing 44 defines a flange 118 preferably formed integral with thehousing 44 and extending generally normal to the major exterior surface80 of the housing 44. The flange 118 defines a series of verticallyspaced detents or notches 120, 122, 124 and 126. Each notch or detent120, 122,124 and 126 opens to a common side of flange 118 to releasablyaccommodate the lever 112 therewith in.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lever 112 is sized such that thefree end thereof extends radially past the flange 118 for easy and readymanual engagement. In an embodiment of the invention, and to facilitateinsertion of the lever 112 into the respective notch 120, 122, 124 or126, in the area where the lever 112 passes in proximity to the notches120, 122, 124 and 126, the lever 112 is configured with a generallycircular cross-sectional configuration. The thickness of each notch orrecess 120, 122, 124 and 126 defined on flange 118 closely proximatesthe diameter of the lever 112. By such construction, the lever 112 canbe manually and readily shifted from one notch to the other while therespective notches furthermore serve to releasably maintain the lever112 in position selectively chosen by the operator during thefunctioning of the seed metering mechanism 32. As will be appreciated,movement of the lever 112 likewise effects displacement of the seedbaffle 102 relative to the opening 96 thereby regulating the flow ofseeds through the opening and into the seed reservoir 86.

In the illustrated form of the invention shown in FIG. 13, the notches120 and 126 define the extreme limits of movement of the seed baffle 102relative to the opening 96 leading to the seed reservoir 86. Moreover,it should be readily appreciated that less or more notches than thatshown can be arranged on the housing 44 without detracting or departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

An alternative preferred embodiment of a seed baffle 850 is shown inFIG. 57. A body portion 851 and a handle portion 852 are preferablyintegrally connected. The seed baffle 850 may preferably be comprised ofa single piece of rigid material such as, for example, steel, aluminum,or plastic. Alternatively, a rigid body portion 851 may be combined witha rigid but flexible handle portion 852. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 58 and 59, the handle portion 852 is inserted through an arcuateopening 853 formed in the housing 820, and is received in at least onenotch 854 formed in a notch wall 855 which is integrally formed on anouter side 856 of the housing 820. The housing 820 may preferably bemade of, for example, aluminum. As shown in FIG. 58, four notches 854are provided, although the number of notches 854 may vary depending uponthe particular application. The notches 854 receive and retain thehandle portion 852 into a desired position. A flexible handle portion852, for example, will aid in positioning the handle portion 852 in anotch 854 and biasing the handle portion 852 to retain the handleportion 852 within the notch 854 while the seed planter is in operation.As shown in FIGS. 57 and 59, the body portion 851 defines an opening 858that allows the body portion 851 to be mounted for rotation about a hub859. As shown in FIGS. 63a-b, the housing 820 includes two retainingmembers 857 which engage the body portion 851 and causes the bodyportion 851 to remain in contact with an inner surface 857 a of thehousing 820 when the seed baffle 850 is installed. One advantage of thisarrangement is that no mechanical fasteners are required to mount thebody portion 851 to the housing 820. Moreover, the one piece designeliminates the need for a linkage assembly thereby reducing costsassociated with the manufacture and installation of the seed baffle 850.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, the cover 840 may include indicatorsspaced along the cover 840 to allow the operator to ascertain the sizeof the seed chamber opening relative to the position of the handleportion 852 of the seed baffle 850. For example, as shown in FIG. 59,reference numerals such as 0, 1, 2, and 3 may be inscribed in the cover840, each numeral corresponding to a different notch 854 (see FIG. 58).In operation, an operator may position the handle portion 852 into anotch corresponding to numeral 1, for example, to provide a small seedchamber opening when planting smaller or expensive seeds to prevent anexcessive number of seeds from entering the seed chamber which maydecrease seed metering efficiency. Alternatively, the operator mayposition the handle portion 852 into a notch corresponding to numeral 3,for example, to provide a large seed chamber opening when planting largeseeds to allow adequate flow from the hopper to maintain an adequateamount of seeds in the seed chamber during operation. The operator mayalso position the handle portion 852 into a notch corresponding tonumeral 0 to completely close the seed chamber opening. Closing the seedchamber opening may be desirable, for example, when draining seeds fromthe seed hopper.

A schematic illustration of the drive mechanism 200 is provided in FIGS.12 and 13. As shown, the drive mechanism 200 comprises a driven shaft202 that is rotatably mounted within the bore 83 defined in the housing44 and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 84 of the seed meter assembly32. As shown, the driven shaft 202 has a center section 204 with reduceddiameter sections 206 and 208 axially extending from opposite sides ofthe center section 204 and extending to respective free ends of theshaft 202. Notably, the differences in diameter between the centersection 204 and the reduced diameter section 208 results in theprovision of a radial shoulder 210 therebetween. In the illustratedembodiment, the radial shoulder 210 on the shaft 202 abuts with aninward projection defined by the hub 82 on the rear wall 76 of housing44 thereby limiting axial displacement of the driven shaft 202 to theleft as shown in FIG. 6.

The reduced diameter section 206 projects outwardly from the rear wall76 of the housing 44 and has a driven coupler 214 carried at the freeend thereof for releasably coupling the driven shaft 202 to aconventional drive coupler mechanism such as that described in U.S.Patent Application entitled “Automatic Coaxial Engagement Drive Coupler”which was filed on Apr. 15, 1998. The driven coupler 214 may becomprised of a plastic resin including, for example, Estaloc™ grade59600 manufactured by BF Goodrich Company. This particular grade hasbeen found to provide adequate rigidity and is impact resistant.Additives may be added to the Estaloc™ to make the driven coupler 214resistant to static charge build-up or to make it electricallyconductive. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 19, the driven coupler 214 hasa mounting hub 216 that fits about and is releasably connected to thereduced diameter section 206 of the driven shaft 202 as with a suitablepin 218 or the like. The driven coupler 214 furthermore includes adriven lug 220 that axially extends generally parallel to but isdisposed in radially spaced relation relative to the longitudinal axis84 of the seed metering assembly 32. As will be appreciated, movementimparted to the driven lug 220 will likewise be transferred to themounting hub 216 and thereby to the driven shaft 202. As is well knownin the art, the driven lug 220 mates with a drive lug provided on aconventional and well known drive coupler that is disposed on theoutside of the exterior surface 80 of the housing 44 and whichconventionally forms part of the drive coupler mechanism. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, using only a single or onedriven lug 220 on the drive mechanism 200 facilitates removal, whennecessary, of the hopper 30 and the seed metering mechanism 32 from theplanting unit 14.

A drive rotor 230 is mounted at the opposite end of driven shaft 202 onthe reduced diameter section 208. As shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, thedrive rotor 230 comprises a mounting hub 232 that fits about and isreleasably secured to the reduced diameter section 208 of the drivenshaft 202 as with a suitable pin 234 (FIG. 22) or the like. Notably, andas shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the mounting hub 232 has a greater diameterthan the bore 83 defined in the hub 82 and through which the reduceddiameter portion 208 axially extends. Accordingly, when the drive rotor230 is fastened to the driven shaft 202, the driven shaft 202 isprevented from moving to the right as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 by themounting hub 232 abutting with the hub 82 in the housing 44 of the seedmetering housing assembly 32.

Returning to FIGS. 20 through 22, the drive rotor 230 further includesfirst and second driving sections 240 and 250, respectively, that arearranged in centered relation about the longitudinal axis 84 of the seedmetering mechanism 32. As shown, the drive rotor 230 includes anenlarged disc-like member 236 defining a central bore 237 and havinggenerally planar axially spaced and generally parallel major surfaces238 and 239, respectively, radially extending outwardly to the peripheryof the drive rotor 230. Projecting axially outwardly from the majorsurface 238 of the disc-like member 236 are the first and second drivingsections 240 and 250, respectively.

The first driving section 240 comprises a multi-sided configurationwherein each of the sides of the driving section 240 are equal to eachother but define a flat surface area 241 that is axially spaced from andis smaller than the major surface 238 of the disc-like member 236 suchthat surface 238 acts as a stop for the axial arrangement of subsequentmembers or pieces placed thereabout as will be described in detailhereinafter. In the illustrated embodiment, driving section 240 has agenerally triangular configuration including side surfaces 242, 244 and246 that axially project from the major surface 238 of the disc-likemember 236 of drive rotor 230. It will be appreciated, however, thatother configurations for the driving section 240 would equally sufficewithout detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, the first driving section 240 could beconfigured with four equal sides or five equal sides that axiallyproject away from the planar surface 238 of the disc-like member 236.

The second driving section 250 of the drive rotor 230 likewise comprisesa multi-sided configuration that axially extends beyond the firstdriving section 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the second drivesection 250 comprises a plurality of equally spaced and axiallyelongated pins 252. Moreover, the pins 252 are all arranged in a commonradial distance from the longitudinal axis 84 of the seed meteringmechanism 32. In the illustrated embodiment, each pin 252 has agenerally cylindrical like configuration between opposite ends thereof.It will be appreciated, however, that other pin configurations wouldequally suffice without detracting or departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Moreover, each pin 252 has a chamferedconfiguration 254 at the distal end thereof for promoting axialplacement of the seed metering disc 400 thereover. In the illustratedembodiment, the pins 252 are integrally formed with the disc-like member236. It will be appreciated, however, that the pins 252 could be formedseparate from and then added to the disc-like member 236.

FIGS. 79-82 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a drive rotor 1130.The drive rotor 1130 includes a plurality of pins 1132 for engaging aseed disc. The drive rotor 1130 defines a through opening 1134 formounting the drive rotor 1130. The through opening 1134 may preferablybe keyed in any conventional manner so that drive rotor 1130 can bemounted for rotation in only one direction. Moreover, the pins 1132 maybe keyed in any conventional manner to allow proper mounting orientationof a seed disc. As shown in FIG. 60a, the seed disc may include a keyedopening 921 for receiving the keyed pin 1132.

The agitator assembly 300 is arranged in driving relation relative tothe drive rotor 230 of the drive assembly 200. As mentioned, the purposeof the agitator assembly is to inhibit seeds from compacting within theseed reservoir 86 of the housing assembly 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, theagitator assembly 300 includes a disc shaped rotor 302 having a centralhub 304 and a plurality of flexible and readily replaceable fingers 306radially extending from the rotor 302. In the illustrated embodiment,the central hub 304 is axially displaced from the remainder of the rotor302 and has first and second generally parallel side surfaces 308 and310, respectively. Notably, the axial distance separating the first andsecond surfaces 308, 310 of the central hub 304 of rotor 302 isgenerally equal to the axial distance the side surfaces 242, 244 and 246project away from the major surface of the disc-shaped member 236 ofdrive rotor 230 of the drive section 240.

The central hub 304 of agitator assembly 300 furthermore defines acentrally located through opening 312 that is configured tosubstantially correspond to the cross-sectional configuration of thefirst driving section 240 of drive assembly 200. That is, in theillustrated embodiment, the opening 312 in the rotor 302 of the agitatorassembly 300 has a generally triangular configuration that substantiallycorresponds to the triangular shape of the first driving section 240. Itwill be appreciated, however, that changes in the configuration of thefirst driving section of drive assembly 200 will be equally reflected inthe shape and size of the opening 312 in the rotor 302 of the agitatorassembly 300. As such, when the rotor 302 of agitator assembly 300 ismounted on the first drive section of the drive rotor 230 of driveassembly 200, a drive connection is established between the drive rotor230 of drive assembly 200 and the rotor 302 of agitator assembly 300.

The remaining portion of the disc-shaped rotor 302 radially extendingfrom the central hub 304 has generally parallel first and second sidesurfaces 318 and 320, respectively. Toward the periphery of the rotor302 there are provided a series of equally disposed receptacles 322 forreleasably accommodating one end of each finger 306. Each receptacle 322has inclined surfaces 324 and 326 projecting angularly away from theside surface 318 of the rotor 302. Such receptacles 322 act as fins orstep-like extrusions. As such, and upon rotation of the rotor 302, theseed mass in the seed reservoir 86 defined by the housing 44 of thehousing assembly 32, is agitated by the receptacles 322 in a mannerpreventing the seed mass from compacting itself during operation of theseed metering mechanism 32. Similarly, the fingers 306 projectingradially outwardly from each receptacle 322 tends to agitate the seedmass in the housing 44 upon rotation of the rotor 302.

In a preferred form of the invention, the fingers 306 projectingoutwardly from the rotor 302 range in size from about 0.080 inches toabout 0.095 inches in diameter and are preferably made from a nylon-likematerial or other suitable flexible material such as that used in grasstrimming machines. Preferably, the fingers 306 radially extend outwardlyfor a distance equal to about 150 mm. Notably, the fingers 306 aredisposed in a swept back configuration relative to the direction ofrotation of the rotor 302. As such, should the fingers 306 engage anobject along their path of travel, the fingers 306 merely tend todeflect around and out of the way of the obstruction without damagingeither the obstruction or the finger 306. In a most preferred form ofthe invention, one end of each finger 306 is releasably accommodatedwithin a hole or opening 330 defined by each receptacle 322 on the rotor302. Accordingly, repair or replacement of the fingers 306 is readilyand easily effected. It will be appreciated, however, that it islikewise within the spirit and scope of the present invention to formthe fingers 306 as permanent cast or integral part of the rotor 302.

FIGS. 77-78 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an agitator 1100. Inthe embodiment shown, a plurality of equally spaced flanges 1101 extendaround the periphery of the agitator 1100. A finger 1102 extendsradially outwardly from each flange 1101. In the embodiment shown, thefingers 1102 are formed as an integral part of the agitator 1100. Theagitator 1100 defines a centrally located through opening 1104 formounting the agitator 1100. The through opening 1104 may preferably bekeyed in any conventional manner so that the agitator 1100 can bemounted for rotation in only one direction. The advantage of the keyingarrangement is that it prevents the agitator 1100 from being mountedimproperly. The agitator 1100 may be comprised of aliphatic polyketonesincluding, for example, Carilon® polymers manufactured by the ShellChemical Company. Additives such as carbon fibers, carbon powder, orstainless steel fibers may be added to the Carilon® polymer to make theagitator 1100 resistant to static charge build-up or to make itelectrically conducting. Carilon® has been found to provide a lowcoefficient of friction and excellent wear for pressure-velocity andabrasive wear applications, good dimensional stability, good lubricity,and good seed handling properties.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rotor 302 of the agitator assembly 300furthermore serves to axially urge the seed plate 400 in an axialdirection and toward the cover 46 of the housing assembly 32. In thisregard, and as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 26, the rotor 302 of theagitator assembly 300 includes spring structure 350 for resilientlyurging the seed plate 400 toward the cover 46 of the housing assembly 32to maintain a sealing relationship between the seed disc 400 and thecover 46 throughout operation of the seed metering mechanism 32.

In the illustrated form of the invention, the spring structure 350comprises a plurality of leaf springs 352 that are preferably formedintegrally with the rotor 302. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, and in thearea of the central hub 304, preferably adjacent and parallel to eachside of opening 312, the rotor 302 includes a plurality of fingers 352.In the illustrated embodiment, each finger 352 has a cantileveredconfiguration. That is, each finger 352 is joined at one end to therotor 302. The free end of each finger 352, however, axially projectsbeyond side surface 308 of the rotor 302 to resiliently engage the seedplate 400.

During a seed planting operation, the tractor typically moves over theground at a speed of about 4 to about 8 miles per hour. Seed spacingswithin the furrows can range between as little as 0.5 inches to as muchas 10 inches between adjacent seeds. Accordingly, the rate of dischargefrom the vacuum seed metering mechanism 32 of the present invention canvary greatly from a very low discharge rate on the order of twenty seedsper second or less such as when the tractor is traveling at only about 4miles per hour and up to 10 inch seed spacing is required to a very highrate on the order of about 130 seeds per second or greater where thetractor is traveling at a considerably faster speed and a seed spacingas little as 0.5 inches is required. It will be appreciated, therefore,that the seed metering mechanism 32 of the present invention must becapable of dispensing seeds at a rate which can vary considerably. Tofurther complicate matters, the seed metering mechanism 32 of thepresent invention must be capable of handling different seeds ofdifferent sizes and surface characteristics. Ultimately, the importantfactor to be mastered relates to the ability to dispense seedsaccurately.

In this regard, an advantageous feature of the present invention relatesto the ability of quickly and easily change seed discs to accommodatethe particular seed being planted. Another advantageous feature that isinherent with the design disclosed by the present invention relates tothe ability to change seed discs without requiring the use of tools orother fasteners thereby significantly reducing the downtime incurredupon replacement or changing of the seed disc. Suffice it to say, and asshown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the seed disc 400 is typically comprised of ametal material. It is also within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention to fabricate the seed disc 400 from a suitable plasticmaterial. In either embodiment, the seed disc 400 measures about 300 mm.in diameter. The centers of the seed disc openings may be positioned,for example, 17.5 mm from the periphery of the disc (the diametermeasured between openings spaced across from each other on the discbeing, for example, 265 mm). The 300 mm. size of seed disc 400 issignificantly greater than any seed discs currently known in the art andallows greater versatility in planting operations. Each seed disc 400has a diameter greater than the diameter of the radially outermostsealing face 58 on the cover 46 of the housing assembly 40.

The seed disc 400 has planar or flat first and second surfaces 402 and404, respectively, extending generally parallel to each other. The seeddisc 400 furthermore has a plurality of apertures 410 therein arrangedin a circumferential row adjacent but inside of a circular outer edge412. Each aperture 410 extends through the thickness of the seed disc400 between the first and second surfaces 402 and 404, respectively, ofthe disc 400. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in theart, and without departing or detracting from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention, the seed disc 400 can include additional rows ofapertures (not shown) arranged closely adjacent and concentric to thefirst row of apertures 410. Notably, the sides or surfaces 402 and 404of the disc 400 in the area of each opening is substantially planar orflat with the remainder of the disc 400. That is, the seed disc 400 isvoid of any recesses or voids arranged in surrounding relation to theopenings 410. The flat configuration of the plate or disc 400 across theentirety thereof and especially in the area of the openings 410 reducesfrictional contact of the outer surface of the seeds when they arereleased from the disc in the discharge area 98 of the seed meteringmechanism.

As shown in FIG. 27, and toward the center thereof, each seed disc 400includes a plurality of openings or drive sockets 420 that areequidistantly arranged relative to each other about a common diameter.Notably, the spacing between the openings 420 is equal to the spacingbetween the driving pins 252 of the second driving section 250 on thedrive assembly 200. Moreover, the shape and size of the apertures 420 indiscs 400 correspond to the shape of the pins 252 of the second drivingsection 250 of drive rotor 230. An important benefit is yielded by suchconstruction. Because the disc 400 is mounted on the driving section 250of drive rotor 230, the disc 400 and the openings 410 provided thereinturn about a fixed axis 84 of rotation. Accordingly, the openings 410move along a predetermined path of travel as the disc 400 turns orrotates within the housing assembly 40. Moreover, and as will be readilyappreciated, different discs 400 are readily interchangeable within theseed metering mechanism 32 to accommodate different seed spacings and/orseeds having particular surface characteristics without the use of toolsor fasteners. Notwithstanding the size of the seed disc 400, theopenings 410 thereon travel about a predetermined path of travel betweenthe seed chamber 86 and the discharge area 98 of the seed meteringmechanism.

FIGS. 60a-b illustrate an alternative embodiment of a seed disc 920. Aplurality of openings 922 are spaced along the perimeter of the seekdisc 920. As shown in FIG. 60b, the vacuum side 924 of the seed disc 920includes a plurality of wear depressions 926 formed therein. As shown inFIG. 60b, the wear depressions 926 may, for example, be elongated slots,and are preferably spaced so that the wear depressions 926 extend towhere the cover contacts the seed disc. As shown in FIG. 60b, the weardepressions 926 may preferably extend underneath the contact surfacesand into the vacuum chamber to create air flow under the contactsurfaces to allow cooling of the contact surfaces. The wear depressions926 also channel debris away from the contact surfaces. In theembodiment shown, the wear depressions 926 may preferably be angled withrespect to the radius of the seed disc to aid in debris removal. Forexample, the wear depressions 926 may be angled at approximately 45degrees, although other angles may be adequate. The size, shape, andorientation of the wear depressions 926 may vary depending on theparticular application, and various configurations, including a curveddepression, are contemplated. The seed disc preferably includes a centeropening 927 to allow the shaft to extend through the opening 927. Thisallows closer tolerances to be held and better alignment between thesingulator spools and the seed disc openings.

The size, shape and configuration of openings 922 may vary depending onthe particular seed to be planted. Moreover, the openings 922 may bechamfered on the vacuum side 924 of the seed disc 920 to aid in theremoval of seed debris from the openings 922. The spacing of theopenings 922 shown in FIGS. 60a-b may be suitable for crops such as, forexample, corn. FIGS. 60c-d illustrate an alternative embodiment of aseed disc 928, which shows two rows of openings 929 which are off-setfrom one another for planting high density crops such as, for example,soybeans. The diameter of the discs may be, for example, 300 mm, and thediameter between the seed openings positioned on opposite sides of thedisc, may be, for example, 265 mm.

FIGS. 6a-b illustrates an alternate embodiment of a seed disc 900 for amultiple seed drop application. As shown in FIGS. 61a-b, the seed disc900 includes a plurality of spaced-apart clusters of openings 902 whichare oriented adjacent the perimeter of the seed disc 900. Thisarrangement allows the seeds to drop at substantially the same time asthe disc rotates the cluster out of communication with the vacuumchamber. Each of the clusters 902 may be comprised of two or moreopenings 904 depending on the particular application. In the embodimentshown, four openings 904 are provided in each cluster 902. As shown inFIGS. 61b and 62 b, a recessed area 906 is formed on the vacuum side 907of the seed disc 900 and interconnects the openings 904. In theembodiment shown, the recessed area 906 may also include a ramp portion908. In operation, a vacuum force is simultaneously applied to all fourseeds due to the interconnection of the openings 904 by the recessedarea 906, which retains the seeds on the seed disc 900. When therecessed area 906 exits the vacuum area, the vacuum force applied to allfour seeds is cut-off simultaneously allowing all four seeds to fallfrom the seed disc 900 with negligible time delay between the seeds.This allows all four seeds to be dropped in a tight group which isdesirable in certain applications including, for example, “hill-drop”cotton planting. The recessed area 906 may be any shape, size asconfiguration sufficient to link the openings 904 together so that whenthe recessed area 906 exits the vacuum area all of the seeds of thecluster 902 drop simultaneously. Alternatively, the openings 904 may belinked by any other passageway which communicates with each of theopenings 904 to allow all of the seeds of the cluster 902 to dropsimultaneously when the passageway exits the vacuum chamber.

The seed disc 900 may be comprised of aliphatic polyketones including,for example, Carilon® polymers manufactured by the Shell ChemicalCompany. Additives such as carbon fibers, carbon powder or stainlesssteel fibers may be added to the Carilon® polymer to make the seed disc900 resistant to static charge build-up or to make it electricallyconductive. Carilon® has been found to provide excellent wear forpressure-velocity and abrasive applications, good dimensional stability,good lubricity, and good seed handling properties.

As stressed throughout, an important aspect of seed metering mechanism32 of the present invention relates to the ability to dispense the seedsto the ground with accuracy. This means that one seed and no more thanone seed is planted at any desired location along the length of thefurrow. As well known in the industry, dispensing or discharging morethan one seed into the furrow at any single location, sometimes referredto as “doubling”, is undesirable at the very least and is unacceptablefor the majority of planting operations. The typical unavailability ofsuitable nutriments in the soil will simply not sustain or support thepresence of two seeds at any single location.

For these and other reasons, and as shown in FIG. 29, the seed meteringmechanism 32 of the present invention furthermore includes a singulatorassembly 500. During operation of the seed metering mechanism 32 of thepresent invention, a suction is created in chamber 50 of housing 46. Assuch, and as the apertures 410 on the seed disc 400 move through theseed mass in the seed reservoir 86 of housing 44, one or more seedsreleasably attach themselves to the openings 410 in the seed disc underthe influence of pressure differentials. As the seed disc 400 isdrivingly rotated, the one or more seeds operably associated with eachopening or aperture 410 moves with the seed disc toward the dischargearea of the seed metering mechanism 32. Intermediate the location whereat the seeds operably attach themselves to the seed disc 400 and theseed discharge area of the seed dispensing mechanism from which theseeds gravitationally fall to the ground, the singulator assembly 500 ofthe present invention is provided to insure that one and only one seedis present in each opening or aperture 410 as the particular seed pocketor opening approaches the discharge area of the seed dispensingmechanism 32. The seed singulator mechanism is indicated generally byreference numeral 500 in FIG. 29. In the illustrated form of theinvention, the singulator assembly 500 is shown attached to the backwall78 of housing 44 of the housing assembly 40 as through a plurality ofsuitable fasteners 502 and 504 and is less sensitive to revolving speedof the seed disc 400 than are known seed singulator devices.

Turning to FIG. 30, the singulator assembly 500 is shown in explodedperspective view. As shown in FIG. 30, the singulator assembly comprisesa base 510, a pair of manually movable brackets 530 and 550, a manuallyoperated adjustment mechanism 570, and a cover 590. Notably, one of theunique features of the present invention concerns the ability of thecomponent parts of the singulator assembly 500 to be assembled andadjusted relative to each other without the use of screws or otherfasteners. Accordingly, no tools are required for assembly or adjustmentof the singulator assembly of the present invention thereby reducingdowntime normally incurred during the planting operation when adjustmentof the seed singulator is required or desired. Another salient aspect ofthe singular assembly 500 relates to the provision of at least threesingulator spools 700 that are mounted in specifically spaced relationrelative to the path of travel of the apertures 410 of the seed disc400.

Turning now to FIGS. 31 through 33, the base 510 of the singulatorassembly 500 includes a generally rectangular back wall 512 having aback side 513 and a front side 514. Preferably, wall 512 of base 510further includes a closed rim 515 extending about the peripheral edge ofthe back wall 512 and axially away from the front side 514 to define anenclosure or open cavity 516. A pair of vertical disposed andhorizontally spaced rails 518 and 520, respectively, are provided withinthe enclosure 516. As shown in FIG. 31, the rails 518 and 520 arepreferably integrally formed with the base 510. It will be appreciated,however, that rails 518, 520, which are independently formed relative tothe base 510, would equally suffice. Apertured flanges 522 and 524extend outwardly from the base 510 so as to allow releasable affixationof the base 510 to the housing 44 of the housing assembly as withsuitable fasteners. Moreover, base 510 furthermore defines a centralthroughbore or opening 526 with radially elongated slots 527 and 528that pass entirely through the base 510. The slots 527 and 528 arearranged in diametrically opposed relation relative to each other and ingenerally concentric relationship relative to the bore or opening 526.

An alternative embodiment of a singulator assembly 1500 is shown inFIGS. 64 through 76. In particular, FIG. 64 illustrates the seedmetering mechanism of the present invention including the singulatorassembly 1500. The singulator assembly 1500 is shown assembled in FIG.65, while FIG. 66 illustrates an exploded perspective view of thesingulator assembly 1500. The various components of the singulatorassembly are more fully illustrated in FIGS. 67 through 76 and explainedin more detail below.

FIGS. 67 and 68 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the base 1510 ofthe singulator assembly 1500 shown in FIG. 67. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 67 and 68, the base 1510 includes a plurality of flanges 1522,1523 and 1524 which extend outward from the base 1510. The flanges 1522,1523 and 1524 are preferably integrally formed with the base 1510. Itwill be appreciated, however, that flanges 1522, 1523 and 1524 which areindependently formed relative to the base 1510 would equally suffice. Asshown in FIG. 68, each flange 1522, 1523, and 1524 includes a protrusion1720 which projects from the flange. As shown in FIG. 68, each flange1522, 1523 and 1524 further includes a locator pin 1721. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 69, a backwall 1078 of a housing 1079 defines aplurality of slots 1723 which are complementary in shape and size to theprotrusions 1720 on each of the flanges 1522, 1523 and 1524. As shown inFIG. 69, the backwall 1078 of the housing 1079 further defines aplurality of apertures 1724 which are complementary in shape and size tothe locating pins 1721. Thus, to releasably affix the base 1510 to thebackwall 1078 of the housing 1079, the base 1510 is preferably snap-fitto the backwall 1078. In particular, the protrusions 1720 are insertedinto the complementary slots 1723 in the backwall 1078, while thelocating pins 1721 are inserted into the complementary apertures 1724 inthe backwall 1078.

One embodiment of the bracket 530 is shown in FIGS. 34 through 36. Asshown, bracket 530 includes a slidable member 532 that is preferablyformed from hard plastic or nylon and is configured to slidably fit forvertical movement within the recess or opening 516 of base 510. Bracketmember 532 includes a top surface 534 and a bottom surface 536. A pairof vertically disposed and horizontally spaced channels 538 and 540,respectively, are provided and extend along the bottom surface 536 ofthe bracket member 532. Notably, the size and spacing of the channels538 and 540 are complementary to the size and spacing of the rails 518and 520 on the base 510. Bracket member 532 further defines a pluralityof horizontally spaced and internally threaded recesses 542, 544 and546. The threaded recesses 542, 544 and 546 defined by bracket 532 arelocated in circumferentially spaced relation relative to each other on acommon line of centers or a radius which is generally equal to theradius about which the holes or apertures 410 in the seed disc 400 aredisposed. Bracket 532 further defines an elongated generally horizontalslot or opening 548 that passes between and opens to both the top andbottom surfaces 534 and 536, respectively, of the bracket member 532.

FIG. 70 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a bracket 1530. Thebracket 1530 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced recesses 1542,1544 and 1546. As shown in FIG. 66, a plurality of metal inserts 1657which are threaded are provided to be inserted into and retained in therecesses 1542, 1544, 1546 of the bracket 1530. Preferably, the metalinserts 1657 are nuts.

One embodiment of the bracket 550 is shown in FIGS. 37 through 39. Asshown, bracket 550 includes a slidable member 552 that is preferablyformed from hard plastic or nylon and is configured to slidably fit forvertical movement within the recess or opening 516 of base 510 invertically disposed relation to bracket 530. Bracket member 552 includesa top surface 554 and a bottom surface 556. A pair of verticallydisposed and horizontally spaced channels 558 and 560, respectively, areprovided and extend along the bottom surface 556 of the bracket member552. Notably, the size and spacing of the channels 558 and 560 arecomplementary to the size and spacing of the rails 518 and 520 on thebase 510. Bracket member 552 further defines a plurality of horizontallyspaced and internally threaded recesses 562, 564 and 566. The threadedrecesses 562, 564 and 566 defined by bracket 552 are likewise located ona common radius which is generally equal to the radius about which theholes or apertures 410 in the seed disc 400 are disposed. Bracket 552further defines an elongated generally horizontal slot or opening 568that passes between and opens to both the, top and bottom surfaces 554and 556, respectively, of bracket member 552.

FIG. 71 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a bracket 1550. Thebracket 1550 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced recesses 1562,1564 and 1566. As shown in FIG. 66, a plurality of metal inserts 1657which are threaded are provided to be inserted into and retained in therecess 1564 of the bracket 1550. Preferably, the metal insert 1657 is anut.

One embodiment of the manually operated adjustment mechanism 570 for thesingulator assembly is shown in FIGS. 40 through 42. As shown, theadjustment mechanism 570 comprises an elongated lever 572. The lower endof lever 572 is provided with a mounting pin 574 and a pair of actuatingpins 576 and 578 disposed in equally spaced relation and on oppositesides of the mounting pin 574. Notably, the mounting pin 574 ispreferably formed integral with the lever 572 which is formed fromplastic or nylon.

With the brackets 530 and 550 arranged in the enclosure 516 defined bybase 510, the lever 572 is arranged on the backside 513 of the base 510and the mounting pin 574 is inserted endwise through the opening 526 inthe base 510. Notably, the diameter of the mounting pin 574 issubstantially equal to the diameter of the hole or opening 526 in thebase 510 such that the lever 572 is permitted to pivotally move and rockabout an axis 575 defined by the mounting pin 574. Similarly, theactuating pins 576 and 578 on the lever 572 project endwise through thearcuate slots 527 and 528, respectively, of the base 510. As such, theactuating pin 576 on lever 572 projects into the slot or opening 548defined on bracket 530 while actuating pin 578 projects into the slot oropening 568 defined on bracket 550. As will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, this arrangement allows the brackets to verticallymove toward and away from each other along the rails 518 and 520 definedin the enclosure 516 of base 510 in response to manual pivotal orrocking movement of the lever 572 about the axis 575. To facilitatemovement of the lever 572, the upper end of lever 570 is provided with ahandle 580 that projects generally normal to the handle or lever 72 toreadily allow manual manipulation of the handle or lever 570.

One embodiment of the cover 590 for the singulator assembly 500 isschematically illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44. The cover 590 preferablyincludes a generally rectangular front wall 592 having a closed rim 594extending about the peripheral edge thereof. Notably, the configurationof the front wall 592 and the rim 594 closely proximates if notcorresponds to the configuration of the back wall 512 and closed rim 514on base 510. Cover 590 furthermore includes a central throughbore oropening 596 that is adapted to resiliently receive the free end of themounting pin 574 of lever 572. Preferably, the free end of the mountingpin 574 is configured to resiliently fit through the opening 596 in thefront wall 592 of cover 590 in a manner securing the front wall 592 ofcover 590 to the base 510 without use of further fasteners and yetallowing access to the interior of the singulator assembly whenrequired.

Cover 590 further defines a plurality of vertically aligned andhorizontally spaced pairs of openings 600, 602 and 604. Each verticallyaligned pair of openings 600, 602 and 604 comprises two vertically.elongated slots 606 and 608. As will be appreciated, the horizontalspacing between the pairs of openings 600, 602 and 604 is equal to thehorizontal spacings between the threaded recesses 542, 544 and 546 ofbracket 532 and the recesses 562, 564 and 566 of bracket 552. As will beappreciated, the elongated configuration of the openings 600, 602 and604 allows for vertical displacement of the brackets 530 and 550 withinthe recess 516 of the base 510.

FIG. 72 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cover 1590. Thecover 1500 defines a plurality of openings 1600, 1602 and 1604. As willbe appreciated, the spacing between the openings 1600, 1602 and 1604corresponds to the spacing between recesses 1542, 1546 of the bracket1530 shown in FIG. 70 and the recess 1564 of the bracket 1550 shown inFIG. 71. The elongated configuration of the openings 1600, 1602 and 1604allows for vertical displacement of the brackets 1530 and 1550 withinthe cavity of the base.

Moreover, in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 72, the cover 1590includes a plurality of guides 597. The guides 597 are utilized toretain a meter screen 780, which is shown in FIG. 64. As shown in FIG.72, each guide 597 includes a pair of projections 598, 599 which extendoutward from the front wall 1592 of the cover 1590. The projections aresized and shaped to hold a meter screen 780. The meter screen 780 isprovided to insure that seeds do not exit out of the housing of the seedmetering mechanism. In particular, the agitator assembly of the presentinvention, as it agitates seeds in the seed reservoir, may cause seedsto fly up toward the top of the housing. If this occurs, the meterscreen 780 shown in FIG. 64 prevents seeds from exiting the top of thehousing by blocking seeds from exiting the top of the housing.Preferably, the meter screen 780 is formed of a plastic material. Inaddition, the projections 598, 599 shown in FIG. 72, are formed of aplastic material. Furthermore, each projection 598 is generallyrectangular in shape and is positioned in a close relationship to itspaired projection 599 such that the distance between the projections598, 599 is proximate enough to retain the meter screen 780 within theprojections 598, 599. The projections 598, 599 are preferablyindependently formed relative to the cover 590. It will be appreciated,however, that projections 598, 599 which are integrally formed with thecover 590 would equally suffice.

As shown in FIG. 72, the cover includes two guides 597, with each guide597 having its own pair of projections 598, 599. Thus, in thisembodiment, the meter screen 780 is slid or pushed through one guide 597(with its projection 598, 599) into the second guide 597 (with itsprojections 598, 599). As shown in FIG. 72, two guides 597 arepreferably used as part of the singulator assembly. It will beappreciated, however, that additional guides 597 may be formed on thecover 1590 to be utilized to retain the meter screen 780.

Cover 590 furthermore defines a generally vertical upstruck and arcuatebracket 620 that is generally coplanar with the top surface 622 of thecover 590. Notably, the bracket 620 has a relatively thin constructionand thus a void or space 624 is provided on the rear side of the bracket620. It is within this space or void 624 wherein the upper end of thelever 572 moves. Moreover, the bracket 620 is configured such that thehandle 590 of lever 572 can extend thereover. Additionally, the topsurface of the bracket 620 has indicia 630 thereon for readily providinga visual indication of the position of the lever 572.

The singulator assembly 500 further comprises a series of mounting studs650 on which the singulator spools 700 are mounted. An exemplary form ofstud 650 for mounting a single singulator spool 700 to the singulatorassembly 500 is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. As shown, each stud 650comprises an elongated member 654 having a shank portion 655 with ashouldered and externally threaded end 656 and an enlarged head portion658 at an opposite end thereof. Preferably, each stud member 654 isformed of metal. In the illustrated embodiment, each stud 650 isprovided with a series of axially extending external splines 660 axiallyextending from the head portion 658 of each stud for about one-half thelength thereof. Each stud 650 is provided with 4, 6, 8, 12 or moresplines 660 as desired. Notably, the outside diameter of the stud member654 is sized such that it is permitted to endwise pass through thevertically elongated slots 606 and 608 comprising each pair of openings600, 602 and 604 in the cover 590 of the singulator assembly 500.Moreover, the external threading at end 656 of each stud member 654corresponds to the internal threading or a metal insert (nut) within therecesses 542, 544 and 546 of bracket 530 (FIGS. 34 through 36) andwithin the recesses 562, 564 and 566 of bracket 550 (FIGS. 37 through39). Furthermore, it should be noted that the axial length of each spoolmember 702 is less than the axial distance separating the enlarged headportion 658 and the external threading 656 of each spool mounting stud650.

FIGS. 73 through 76 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the mountingstuds 1650 and the singulator spools 1700 of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 73, each stud 1650 is comprised of a shank portion 1658with an externally threaded end 1659. Preferably, each stud 1650 isformed of metal. More preferably, each stud 1650 is formed of brass.Notably, the outside diameter of the stud 1650 is sized such that it ispermitted to endwise pass through the openings 1600, 1602 and 1604 inthe cover 1590 shown in FIG. 72. Moreover, the external threading at end1659 of each stud 1650 corresponds to the metal inserts 1657 (see FIG.66) which are inserted into the recesses 1542, 1546 of the bracket 1530shown in FIG. 70 and within the recess 1564 of the bracket 1550 shown inFIG. 71. As stated above, the metal inserts 1657 are preferably nutswhich are inserted into the recesses 1542, 1546 of the bracket 1530 andrecess 1564 of the bracket 1550 and are sized and shaped to be retainedtherein. Thus, in order to retain the studs 1650 to the brackets 1530,1500, the threaded end 1659 of each stud 1650 is threadably connected tothe metal inserts 1657. The studs 1650 are thus removably threaded tothe brackets 1530, 1550. Therefore, when the studs wear and need to bereplaced, the worn studs may be removed and replaced by new studs.

An exemplary form of singulator spool 700 is schematically illustratedin FIGS. 47 through 50. As shown in FIG. 47, each singulator spool 700comprises an elongated preferably metal tubular member 702 defining alongitudinal axis 704 which, when mounted to the seed meteringmechanism, extends generally normal or perpendicular to the sides of theseed disc 400. In the illustrated embodiment, and at that end 706 ofeach spool disposed closely adjacent the seed disc 400 during operationof the seed metering mechanism, each spool member 702 preferably has aseed engaging portion projecting radially outwardly from the remainderof the spool. As shown, each spool member 702 preferably has a flared orfrusto-conical seed engaging or surface configuration extending away.from a planar bottom surface 707 defined by the spool member 702. Asshown in FIGS. 47, 49 and 50, the flared profile at the free end 706 ofeach spool 700 increases in diameter toward end 706. Moreover, and asshown in FIGS. 47, 49 and 50, the bottom planar edge 707 of the spool700 and the flared end 706 intersect with each other to define arelative sharp edge 709 extending about the periphery of the spool 700.

The singulator spool members 702 may be comprised of aliphaticpolyketones including, for example, Carilon® polymers manufactured bythe Shell Chemical Company.

As shown in FIG. 48, the peripheral edge 710 of the free end 706 ofspool member 702 has a changing or eccentric profile relative to thelongitudinal axis 704 of the spool member 702. That is, the seedengaging portion of each arcuate segment of the edge 710 of the enlargedfree end of the spool member 702 is disposed at different radialdistance from the longitudinal axis 704 of the spool member 702. Thechanging or eccentric profile allows or permits a changingcircumferential surface area of the seed deflector portion of each spool700 to be selectively positioned relative to the predetermined path oftravel of the openings thereby changing the spacing of the seeddeflector relative to the fixed path of travel of the openings 410 inthe seed disc 400 and relative to each other. In this regard, and asshown in FIG. 47, the spool member 702 has a locating mark 703 thereonfor providing a visual indication of the setting of the seed deflector706 relative to the fixed path of travel of the seeds carried by thedisc 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator or indicating mark703 is provided adjacent or on the seed engaging surface portion of theseed deflector. It will be appreciated, however, that the locating orindicating mark can be provided elsewhere on the spool 700 withoutdetracting or departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, each spool member 702 further defines anopening 712 extending axially through the spool member 704. As will beappreciated, rather than providing the peripheral edge 710 of the seedcontacting surface eccentric relative to the axis 704 of the spool, itis also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to providethe opening 712 in eccentric relationship relative to the spool member.At the flared end 706, the opening 712 in each spool member 704 has anenlarged counterbore portion 714 that is sized to accommodate theenlarged head portion 658 of the mounting stud 650 (FIGS. 45 and 46).The counterbore portion 714 of opening 712 is recessed or has a depththat allows the spool to be endwise moved without exposing the headportion 658 of the spool mounting 650 therebeyond. Because the enlargedcounterbore portion 714 and the opening 712 are of different diameters,a radial wall or annular shoulder 713 is defined therebetween. Uponassembly, the enlarged head portion 658 engages with the annularshoulder 713 thereby limiting movement of the spool 700 relative to sideof the seed disc 400. As mentioned, the overall length of the spoolmember 702 is less than the length of the mounting stud 650 therebyallowing axial or endwise displacement of the spool member 702 along thelength of the stud 650. In this regard, a lengthwise poition of theopening 710 is provided with a series of internal splines 720 that areengagable with the external splines 660 on each mounting stud 650 forholding the seed engaging portion of the respective spool 700 inreleasably fixed relation relative to the axis of rotation 704.

As mentioned above, the end 706 of each spool 700 has a flared orfrusto-conical configuration. The slanted or angular configuration atthe free end 706 of the spool 700 changes as a function of the angularorientation of the slanted surface relative to the longitudinal axis 704of the spool 700. That is, the angular orientation of the flared end 706of spool 700, in the area shown by lines 49—49 in FIG. 48, is equal toabout a 45 degree angle relative to the planar bottom edge of the spool700. In contrast, the angular orientation of the flared end 706 of spool700, in the area shown by lines 50—50 in FIG. 48, may equal about 45degrees to 50 degrees relative to the planar bottom edge 707 of thespool 700. As will be appreciated, the inclined surface configurationsextending about the seed engaging portion of each spool defines anincluded angle ranging between about 35 degrees and about 70 degreesbetween the inclined surface configuration and the adjacent face or sideof the seed disc 400. Accordingly, different effects or removal forcescan be imparted to the seeds carried on the seed plate as a function ofwhich angular orientation of the spool 700 is disposed relative to theseed pocket or opening 410 in the seed plate 400.

As will be appreciated, the changing profile of the free edge 710 allowsthe disposition of the spool 700 to be manually changed relative to thepath of movement of the openings 410 on the seed disc 400 movingtherepast. The interaction of the external spline like configurations660 on the stud 650 and the internal spline like configurations 720 onthe spool 700 prevent the spool 700 from turning or rotating relativetheir respective stud 650. Also, however, it is important to note thatthe interaction between the splines 660 and 720 allows the angularorientation of the spool 700 to be angularly adjusted as required toeffect the necessary action relative to the seeds carried by the seedplate 400 toward the discharge area of the seed metering mechanism 32 ofthe present invention. It will be readily appreciated, of course, thatthe opening 710 in the spool 700 can be eccentric relative to thelongitudinal axis 704 of the spool member 702 thereby effectingdifferent adjustments of the spool 700 relative to the circular path oftravel of the openings 410 in the seed disc 400.

An alternative embodiment of the singulator spool 1700 of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 74 through 76. As shown, in thisembodiment, each spool 1700 is comprised of an elongated tubular member1702 having a longitudinal axis 1704 which, when mounted to the seedmetering mechanism, extends generally normal or perpendicular to thesides of the seed disc. Preferably, the tubular member 1702 is formed ofmetal. More preferably, the tubular member is formed of a plasticmaterial or nylon. Even more preferably, the tubular member is formed ofCarilon® polymers, which is manufactured by the Shell Chemical Company.Additives such as carbon fibers, carbon powder, or stainless steelfibers may be added to the Carilon® polymer to make the spool members702 resistant to static charge build-up or to make it electricallyconducting. Carilon® has been found to provide excellent wear forpressure-velocity and abrasive applications, good dimensional stability,good lubricity, and good seed handling properties. In addition, Carilon®has similar properties to nylon, but, unlike nylon, Carilon® does notswell when subjected to moisture and thus Carilon® has more dimensionalstability than nylon. As shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, each spool 1700 ismounted on a respective mounting stud 1650 (shown in FIG. 73) with aretaining ring 1703 retaining the spool 1700 onto the stud 1650. Thespools 1700 are thus removably attached to the studs 1650. Therefore,when the spools 1700 wear and need to be replaced, the worn spools maybe removed and replaced by new spools.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 65, 66, and 74 through 76, at the endof the spool 1700 that is disposed closely adjacent to the seed discduring operation of the seed metering mechanism is the bottom edge 1707.At the bottom edge 1707, each spool member 1702 preferably has a seedengaging portion 1706 which projects radially outward from the remainderof the spool 1700. As shown, each spool member 1702 has a flared orfrustoconical seed engaging portion 1706 which extends away from aplanar bottom edge 1707 defined by the spool member 1702. In addition,the flared portion 1706 of each spool 1700 increases in diameter towardthe bottom edge 1707.

Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 65, 66, and 74 through 76,the flared portion 1706 of the spool 1700 serves to perpendicularly liftand remove unwanted multiples of seeds from the seed disc 400 such thatgravity can act thereon and return the multiple seeds to the seedreservoir of the seed metering mechanism 32. Moreover, the flaredportion 1706 on each spool member 1700 also disrupts and gentlyseparates a multiplicity of seeds that are held together on one seedhole in the seed disc thereby allowing the multiple seeds to fall underthe influence of gravity and return to the seed reservoir of the seedmetering mechanism 32.

When assembled to the seed metering mechanism, each spool 1700 isarranged such that the flared end 1706 extends into the path of travelof the seed apertures. In a preferred form of the invention, each spool1700 is adjusted such that the flared end 1706 covers approximatelyone-half of the diameter, or less, of each aperture 410 of the seed disc400. In another preferred form of the invention, each spool 1700 isadjusted such that the flared end 1706 covers approximately one-third ofthe diameter, or less, of each aperture 410 of the seed disc 400.

In the embodiment of a spool 1700 shown in FIGS. 74 through 76, theinner diameter of the spool 1700 is cylindrical or round. In thismanner, the spools 1700 may spin on the mounting studs 1650 shown inFIG. 73. Because the inner diameter of the spools 1700 are cylindrical,the wear between the spools 1700 and the seed disc will be spread over alarger surface area. In addition, in this embodiment, because the innerdiameter of the spools 1700 are cylindrical, the spools 1700 do not havea changing profile relative to the path of travel of the openings in theseed discs. Therefore, the singulator assembly 1500 is not adjusted byturning or rotating the singulator spools 1700 relative to its mountingstud 1650. Instead, the only adjustment of the singulator assembly 1500in this embodiment is through the use of the handle to move the brackets1530 and 1550 that carry the singulator spools 1700 with respect to thebase 1510. This allows the operator to adjust for seeds having differentshapes and sizes to vary the spool configurations.

Returning to FIG. 30, each spool 700 is mounted on a respective mountingstud 650 as shown. Notably, however, there is further provided acompression spring 760 or other form of resilient means for resilientlyurging the spool axially outward and away from the cover 590 toward theseed disc 400. As such, the planar bottom surface of the spool 700 isresiliently urged toward an adjacent relationship with the seed plate400 and the edge of the spool serves to engage and orient the seedstraveling toward the discharge area of the seed metering mechanism 32.The spring 760 furthermore allows the spool to be axially displacedagainst the action of the spring 760 until the cooperativeinstrumentalities, which in the illustrated embodiment includes thesplines 660 on mounting member 650 and the splines 720 of the spool 700,are released from each other thereby allowing rotation of the spool 700about the axis 714 thereby adjusting the seed engaging surface relativeto the predetermined path of the openings 410 on the seed disc 400. Asmentioned, the recessed bore 714 is sized to allow for axialdisplacement of the spool 700 relative to the mounting member 650without exposing the head portion 658 thereof. After the seed engagingportion of the spool is properly positioned relative to the path oftravel of the seed openings 410 in the disc 400, the spool 700 isautomatically returned to an operable position wherein the seed engagingportion is disposed adjacent the side of the disc 400 under theinfluence of the compression spring 760. Thereafter, the cooperatinginstrumentalities on the mounting member 650 and spool releasably holdthe seed engaging portion of the spool in fixed relation relative to theaxis 714.

With the present invention, a single singulator spool or up to sixsingulator spools can be used as part of the singulator assembly 500. Asshown in FIG. 29, in a preferred form of the invention, normally twosingulator spools 700 will be arranged to one side of the arcuate pathof travel of the openings in the seed disc 400 while at least onesingulator spool 700 will be arranged on the opposite side of thearcuate path of travel of the openings 410 in the seed disc 400. As willbe appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, thesingulator assembly 500 offers several degrees of adjustment fororientating the seeds within the pockets or openings 410 of the disc 400as well as for disengaging surplus seeds from the plate 400. First, thesingulator spool 700 may be individually adjusted by turning or rotatingthe singulator spool 700 relative to its respective mounting stud 650.Thus, different profiles on the singulator spool 700 can be properlyorientated relative to the path of travel of the openings betweenadjacent spools 700.

Alternatively, the singulator assembly 500 can be adjusted through useof the handle 570, to move the brackets 530 and 550 that carry thesingulator spools 700. As will be appreciated, movement of the brackets530 and 550 endwise within the cavity 516 defined by base 510 will movethe singulator spools 700 carried by the brackets 530 and 550 relativeto the arcuate path of travel of the openings 410 on the seed disc 400thereby further effecting adjustment of the singulator apparatus 500. Toproperly adjust the brackets 530 and 550 and the spools 700 carriedthereon relative to the fixed path of travel of the openings 410 in thedisc 400, the indicia 630 provided on the cover 590 of the singulatorapparatus 500 visually guides the operator to adjust the spools 700.

Still another salient feature of the present invention relates toimproving the release of the seeds from the seed disc 400 at thedischarge area 98 of the seed metering mechanism 32. Testing hasrevealed that imparting vibrations to the housing assembly 40 of theseed metering mechanism 32 facilitates the release of seeds from theseed plate 400 in the discharge area of the mechanism 32. In thisregard, and as shown in FIG. 11, there is preferably provided amechanism 800 for imparting vibrations to the housing assembly 40. Thevibration imparting mechanism 800 can take a myriad of shapes and sizes.Mechanism 800 can be driven in any suitable manner. Preferably, amechanism that produces vibrations in the range of about 115 hz. toabout 135 hz. appears to work well. In the illustrated form of theinvention, an electrically operated vibration type mechanism including ahousing 802 is securely fastened in and about the seed discharge area 98of the seed metering mechanism and appears to operate satisfactorily. Aswill be appreciated, the vibration mechanism 800 can be mounted insideor outside of the housing 40 without departing or detracting from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the vibratingmechanism 800 can be secured to the cover 46 to impart vibrations to thehousing assembly 40.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications andvariations can be effected without departing from the true spirit andscope of the novel concept of the present invention. It will beappreciated that the present disclosure is intended as anexemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit theinvention to the specific embodiment illustrated. The disclosure isintended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fallwithin the scope of the claims

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presentlyconsidered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thescope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalents areintended to be embraced therein.

We claim:
 1. A seed planter apparatus comprising: a seed meter includinga housing assembly, the housing assembly including a cover releasablyconnected to a shell, the housing assembly including at least oneopening formed in the housing assembly adjacent a seed discharge area topromote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to thehousing assembly, the disc dividing an interior of the housing assemblyto include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber, the disc including aplurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the shell includes a seed opening foundthereon to receive seed from a hopper, the seed opening movably coveredby a baffle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the baffle includes anadjustment handle which extends through an elongated opening found inthe shell.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the shell includes aplurality of indentions to receive the adjustment handle and allows thebaffle to be positioned to allow more or less seed to flow from thehopper into the seed chamber.
 5. A seed metering apparatus for a seedplanter comprising: a housing including a seed chamber opening forcommunicating with a hopper, a baffle rotatably attached to the housing,the baffle including a body portion and a handle portion, the handleportion extending through an opening formed in the housing, the housingincluding a plurality of notches formed on an outer surface of thehousing to allow the handle to be positioned within the notches torotate the body portion and vary the size of the seed chamber opening.6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the body portion of the baffle isretained by at least one retaining member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6wherein the body portion is retained by a first retaining portionpositioned adjacent a hub formed in the housing, the body portionincluding an opening for fitting onto the hub, the baffle rotatableabout the hub.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the body portion isretained by a second retaining portion positioned adjacent a peripheryof the housing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the baffle is aone-piece baffle formed of plastic.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5 whereinthe baffle is a one-piece baffle formed of steel.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 5 further comprising a cover engaged with the housing, the coverincluding indicators inscribed on an outside surface of the cover andaligned with the notches.
 12. A method of operating a seed meteringapparatus for a seed planter comprising: providing a housing including aseed chamber opening for communicating with a hopper, a baffle rotatablyattached to the housing, the baffle including a body portion and ahandle portion, the handle extending through an opening formed in thehousing, the housing including a plurality of notches formed on an outersurface of the housing; moving the handle portion between the notches;retaining the handle portion in the notch; rotating the body portion tovary the size of the seed chamber opening.
 13. A seed planter apparatuscomprising: a seed meter including a housing assembly: a disc rotatablymounted in the housing assembly and dividing an interior of the housingassembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber; the discincluding a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of thedisc for releasably holding seeds in response to a vacuum force; a seeddischarge area provided in the housing assembly to promote the releaseof seeds from the disc; a seed opening in the housing to receive seedsfrom a source of seeds; and a movable baffle associated with the seedopening to allow more or less seed to flow from the seed source into theseed chamber.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the baffle ismovable between a closed position and an opened position.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein the apparatus includes a mechanism toreleasably retain the baffle in the closed position and a plurality ofselected open positions.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 including indiciato indicate the position of the baffle and the degree of opening of theseed opening.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the apparatusincludes a flexible handle connected to the baffle and extending throughan elongated opening in the housing.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17wherein the baffle and handle are rotatably mounted and wherein thehandle extends through an arcuate opening in the housing.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein the housing includes a plurality ofdetents engagable with the flexible handle to releasably retain thebaffle in a plurality of positions.